2 more GOPs say they'll take swing at Senate seat

Sullivan, Bielat forming exploratory committees

UPDATED 4:19 PM EST Feb 14, 2013

BOSTON -

Two more Republican candidates have have tossed their hats into the special election ring to fill the Senate seat vacated by now-Secretary of State John Kerry.

Sources tell NewsCenter 5's Janet Wu that former U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan announced a grassroots effort to get signatures for the race. Sullivan says if he gets the 10,000 certified signatures by Feb. 27, he'll be a GOP candidate.

"I recognize the challenges and sacrifices to family that both a campaign and service in office involves. I was reminded by my wife Terry, however, that sacrifice is noble and service is a privilege. Having spent time in public service, I know there is no stronger calling and no better way to help improve and make a difference in other people’s lives," Sullivan said in statement.

Sean Bielat, a former Congressional candidate, said he is seriously exploring a run for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Kerry.

Massachusetts will hold a special election for the seat in June.

Bielat has filed papers with the Federal Election Commission to form the 'Sean Bielat for Senate' committee.

He told WCVB he has put together an exploratory committee and will make a firm decision soon.

Beliat says time is short, but he's confident he can gather enough signatures by the end of the month to get on the special election ballot.

Bielat has run twice for Congress in the 4th Congressional District. He lost in 2010 to former Democratic Rep. Barney Frank and last year to Democratic Rep. Joseph Kennedy III.

Former Plymouth Republican state committee member Christopher Fava said Sullivan was expected to make an announcement as soon as Thursday.

Norfolk State Rep. Daniel Winslow and Cohasset businessman Gabriel Gomez have said they are running on the Republican side.

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